From: schell (sdcs.alliant.edu -192.76.183.135)
Subject: I have a problem
Date: July 20, 2006 at 11:19 am PST
For a few months I have been struggling with some "sleep eating"
issues (keep in mind I'm strictly vegan).
I'll get up about an hour or two after falling asleep and wander into
the kitchen and eat sweets. For while, I was spooning peanut butter
out of the jar. I would consume at least 4 tbs. of peanut butter
during these bouts and it happens once a night. I barely have any
recollection of my doing it upon waking. The only evidence is the
taste of PB in my mouth and a large dent in the jar.
I started hiding the peanut butter in my daughters room before going
to sleep (I knew I wouldn't go in there and risk waking her up during
the night). Well, that worked, but last night I woke up and ate a few
servings of her frosted animal cookies (very Non-vegan!) I don't know
what to do. I've tried putting saltines next to my bedside, I've tried
handcuffing myself to the bed, but I somehow get them off! Part of me
feels like I should talk to a doc to see what the underlying problem
is....but...I'm not one of those people who goes on an absolute binge
and eats everything in the fridge while asleep.
I feel like I could conquer this myself, but nothing has really worked
so far. The saltines idea worked for a few days. I don't know if this
is happening because I eat really healthy during the day (fruits,
veggies, grains,and beans) and mostly deprive myself of sweets. I'll
eat dried cranberries or raisins or something of the like to satisfy
sugar cravings, but I try to stay away from processed junk.
Any suggestions? I need to get over this. I've gained 5 lbs. in the
last few months! It makes me feel guilty when it happens and I try to
overcome it by eating less the next day and that just catapults into
hunger and makes the cycle continue. Ahhhh!
TIA!
Schell
